Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, after clearing customs and immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to Moshi town for overnight at Ameg lodge on bed & breakfast basis Overnight: Ameg Lodge

Overnight: Ameg Lodge

Bed

We avoid the crowded Marangu route on Kilimanjaro, preferring to approach the mountain from the north by the rarely used Rongai route. The Rongai route starts just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border and has been almost unused for many years because the area was politically considered to be “sensitive”. Now open for climbing once again, experienced guides consider this ascent route to be both easier and more beautiful than the main Marangu trail. The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek. We also add an extra day to the standard five-day itinerary to ensure maximum acclimatisation and give ourselves the best possible chance of enjoying the magnificent scenery. Recent National Park statistics indicate that the chance of reaching the summit increases by at least 30% if an extra day is spent acclimatising. The deviation to Mawenzi Tarn is very beautiful and on a little-used trail through moorland. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.

Day Itinerary

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer by Land Cruiser to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey.

These monkeys are black with long ‘capes’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains of Tsavo and Amboseli. ‘First Cave Camp’ [3-4 hours walking] Overnight: First Cave Camp.

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb sweeping vistas and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated on a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. [3-4 hours walking]

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp        

The Mawenzi Tarn Camp is located near the base of Mwenzi, which is one of the 3 peaks of Mount. Kilimanjaro and is mostly used by ascending climbers on the Rongai route. The accommodation comprises of tents as well as shared pit latrines and a nearby tarn provides undrinkable water to campers.

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]

Overnight: School Hut/Outward Bound Camp          

School Hut/Outward Bound Camp is situated on the trail to Stella Point, Kilimanjaro and offers breathtaking views of the mountain. Visitors can explore the lush, forested foothills or take a wildlife safari and spot some of Africa’s diverse wildlife including elephant, buffalo, leopard, duiker, eland, hyrax and blue monkeys.

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hours round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11 – 15 hours walking]

Overnight: Horombo Hut       

The Horombo Huts & Campsite is set along the Marangu Trail on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This site can accommodate up to 120 campers spread across a mix of cabins and tents. Facilities include a kitchen for cooking, a dining area, and a rangers office. Guests will also have access to an abundant water source near the campsite.

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking]. It is easier to go down than up. Packed lunch on way down. After clearing all the paperwork at the gate, you will be transferred to Ameg lodge for overnight on bed & breakfast Overnight: Ameg Lodge

Transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.